Sierra Leone has reported its first confirmed case of mpox since the World Health Organization declared its highest alert level for the disease last year.
The National Public Health Agency announced that the case involves a 27-year-old man from the Western Zone of the country.
Health authorities have initiated a response plan, including contact tracing, isolation of the patient, and enhanced surveillance in affected areas.
Mpox, a viral disease related to smallpox, can cause fever, skin lesions, and other symptoms.
While the specific variant affecting the patient was not disclosed, the WHO declared its highest alert level for the disease in 2024 due to its global spread.
Sierra Leone has a history of facing significant public health challenges, having been severely impacted by the Ebola outbreak that occurred between 2014 and 2016.